An Islamic scholar, Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, endorsed the establishment of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), to flush out bandits from forests across the country.
The cleric has also urged the proposed outfit to deploy decisive military force in tackling criminal elements.
Speaking during his Ramadan Tafsir on Tuesday in Kaduna, Gumi, however, cautioned against the use of aerial bombardments, warning that such operations could result in civilian casualties.
Police nab 10 kidnappers, recover ransom in Akure
He cited the tragic incident at Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where more than 100 residents were reportedly killed in a mistaken airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the cleric, while confronting banditry requires firm and coordinated action, the deployment of bombs in forest operations poses significant risks to innocent communities residing within or around affected areas.
Gumi observed that bandits operating in parts of the country had become increasingly dangerous and brutal, attributing the development to alleged external influences aimed at destabilising the nation.
He said the trend appeared to validate his earlier concerns that bandits’ groups could evolve into full-fledged terrorist organisations, if not decisively addressed.
The cleric also called on the authorities to adopt strategies that would effectively dislodge criminal elements from forest enclaves while ensuring the protection of civilian lives.
(NAN)
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
, to flush out…){kind=link}